More than $700million was paid in settlements to firefighters, police officers, construction workers and others for ailments suffered as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

The overcharging allegations bring into question an estimated $50million in additional legal expenses that were charged to these victims.

A law firm representing sick and dying Ground Zero workers overbilled its legal partner by $36 million, court papers claim - an estimated $50million was taken from victim's settlements

More than $700million was paid in settlements to firefighters, police officers, construction workers and others for ailments suffered as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack

Law firms Napoli Bern and Worby Groner worked together in 2004 to represent Ground Zero workers afflicted with cancer and other aliments. But since 2012, the two firms have been locked in a legal battle over legal fees they shared during 9/11 litigation.

An advocate for ill responders has demanded authorities investigate personal-injury firm Napoli Bern which he says has been the subject of the majority of complaints.

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John Feal, a Ground Zero demolition supervisor, told the New York Post: 'It's outrageous and disgusting.'

The once-prestigious law firm has been dogged by infighting over allegations of sexual improprieties and financial misconduct.

Before the 9/11 workers got their settlement checks various costs were deducted. The law firms then got a 25 percent cut of the remainder.

Napoli Bern and Worby Groner were to split the proceeds after they deducted their expenses. By the end of 2012, the gross fees amounted to $152 million. Napoli Bern said it was entitled to $69.6 million off the top in expenses.

The arbitrators' decision on the billings is now before state Supreme Court Justice Eileen Bransten, who will rule on whether to accept it; Napoli Bern disputes the arbitration panel's conclusions

Worby Groner disputed the expenses and an arbitration panel agreed with it.

The expenses related to rent, malpractice insurance, library fees and payroll fees of $24.5million, among other bills.

The panel ruled only half of the payroll costs were related to the 9/11 litigation.

In total, the arbitration panel rejected $36 million in Napoli Bern's purported expenses. It ruled that Worby Groner was entitled to a further $17million.

State Supreme Court Justice Eileen Bransten will now decide whether to accept the arbitrators decision which Napoli Bern are disputing.